Re: [Pan-users] Re: OT: freedomware vs... Was: Building Panon Windows?

[Joe Zeff]

On 03/09/2010 03:39 AM, Steven D'Aprano wrote:
>   even if you convert,
> which most rabbis don't allow and even those who do make it very
> difficult, you'll always be a Jew by conversion and not a "real" Jew.

In general, rabbis discourage conversion and make it hard because we're 
not a proselytizing religion, and being a properly observant Jew is not 
exactly easy.  That being said, a convert is just as much a Jew as one 
who was born to it.  In fact, their Hebrew name is ben/bas Abraham, son 
or daughter of Abraham, not to show they're a convert, but to tie them 
into our heritage.  You, as a gentile may not consider them "real" Jews, 
but we do.

And, I might add, that entire bit of "salvation by faith" is completely 
foreign to Judaism.  If you wish to earn Paradise, you do it by 
following the Law; for us actions really do speak louder than words.